Scope and Purpose
Editors usually state the scope and purpose of the encyclopaedia in the preface and introduction. After proper scanning, the buyers must check a few items in the volumes to verify whether the promises are carried out or not. The scope of an
encyclopaedia covers plan, range and selection.
i) Plan: The encyclopaedia work should have a definite plan. The articles should be even in length and content and continuous editorial supervision should ensure that the plan is followed consistently.
ii) Coverage: The topics should be complete in coverage. It varies according to the needs of the users. The facts and data given in the encyclopaedia should be accurate and reliable.
iii) Selection: There must be proper balance in the selection of topics and dealing with different periodical events, subjects, countries, etc.